Homeland Security & Computer Networks (CA)
Use Your Technical Talents to Keep our Nation Safe
Want to get started toward your Homeland Security Computer Networks? Email Professor Naja El-Khoury today!
From ordering groceries for delivery to talking with your friend on a video chat, technology’s advancements to better our lives have also made them less private. People and organizations worldwide and within the U.S. are constantly attempting to hack into corporate and government computer systems and databases to take the public’s private information and hold it for ransom. /p>
Be on the cutting-edge of technology security working to keep our country’s personal information safe from online threats. You will use your extraordinary knowledge of computer network architecture and operations to apply them to real-life situations in order to maintain the safety of our country. It involves monitoring and managing servers, and identifying safety concerns that could easily elevate if not dealt with in a timely manner.
With several security systems in use, you will have the opportunity to use your skills and talent to combat hackers that may try to infiltrate our federal safety networks, while ensuring compliance with federal safety regulations.
The Los Angeles Southwest College Computer Science Homeland Security degree is a forward-looking, fundamental, and broad-based program in Homeland Security emphasizing the Information Technology essentials, computing forensics, and network security.
This Associate in Science in Computer Science Information Technology degree has been designed to:
- Equip students with appropriate and much-needed skills to successfully enter the area of homeland security.
- Provide students with skills, knowledge, and experience that will allow them to be competitive candidates and therefore increase their employability in the field of homeland security.
- Train students to successfully adapt to change in this dynamic field quickly and efficiently, preparing them for a lifelong learning process.
Apply a systematic approach to conducting a computer forensics investigation, both law enforcement and a corporate investigation.
- Investigate the requirements of a computer forensics lab including data recovery workstations, hardware, and software.
- Collect evidence at private-sector incident scenes as well as at a crime scene using state-of-art data acquisition tools.
- Install and configure a Network Operating Systems Server.
- Secure remote access, wireless, and virtual private networks (VPN).
- Defend against network attacks.
- Planning for server deployment, installation, and configuration.
- Setting up Active Directory and accounts management and prepare for management, monitoring and maintaining server security and policies.
- Understand fundamental networking technologies include topologies, Open System Interconnection (OSI), network architecture, simple and complex network operations, and protocols.
Why You Should Consider This Degree (Job Market)
Los Angeles Southwest College Computer Science Homeland Security degree program will equip the learners with the necessary skills to be successful in the Homeland Security field. This A.S. degree in Computer Science Homeland Security focuses on the following selected topics:
- Networking Essentials and Security,
- Server Administration and Network Security including configuration and controls,
- Principles of Information Systems Security, and
- Computer Forensics fundamentals providing an overview of computer forensic types, techniques, electronic evidence, and capture.
Graduates of this program will be well prepared to enter the dynamic and rewarding field of homeland security and be candidates for the following occupations:
- IT Specialist (Information Security),
- Computer Support Specialists and Systems Administrators,
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators, and
- Information Security Analysts,
- Web Developers, and
- Computer Networks Architects.
Students will be ready to continue and pursue an A.S. degree in Computer Science Homeland Security Track at Los Angeles Southwest College.
The expected cost is 21 units x $46 per unit = $966.
You may need to add books and materials costs.
Financial aid and fee waivers are available.
Careers in Homeland Security and Computer Networks
Homeland Security personnel are working in offices around the country for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to protect the general public from threats in the U.S. and around the world.
Here are some professions and their salaries you could have by receiving a Certificate of Achievement in Homeland Security and Computer Networks:
Career information below taken from bls.gov November 2019. Go to bls.gov for most current career information.
Plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems.
Data for Los Angeles/Long Beach/Anaheim
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
| Bachelor’s Degree | $98,350/year | $47.28/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| Less than 5 years | 32% increase |
112,300 |
Provide help and advice to computer users and organizations.
Data for Los Angeles/Long Beach/Anaheim
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
| Some college | $53,470/year | $25.70/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| None needed | 10% increase |
863,100 |
Design and build data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and Intranets.
Data for Los Angeles/Long Beach/Anaheim
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
| Bachelor’s Degree | $109,020/year | $52.41/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| 5 years or more | 5% increase |
159,300 |
Design and create websites.
Data for Los Angeles/Long Beach/Anaheim
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
| Associate Degree | $69,430/year | $33.38/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| None needed | 13% increase |
160,500 |
What You’ll Learn at LASC in Homeland Security and Computer Networks
- Advance your skills in security systems, network architecture, and construction while working in an exciting and challenging industry keeping our country safe.
- Join the movement to prevent hackers from infiltrating our security networks and servers, while ensuring compliance, and maintaining the security of our nation’s network and technology systems.
- Check for upcoming innovative workshops and events hosted by LASC’s School of Career and Technical Education to learn of innovative technology advances and groundbreaking software developments to gain a deeper knowledge of current computer and technology breakthroughs.
- Want to get a bachelor’s degree? Visit your academic counselor or the Transfer Center to find out how you can benefit from going to a four-year college or university to meet your career goals.
Degrees & Courses You Will Take
Review LASC’s Certificate of Achievement in Homeland Security and Computer Networks and our suggested course of study for these programs are listed below. Go to LASC’s current Course Catalog for specific course information:
Major Code: 707.10
Total Units Required: 21
Upon successful completion of this program, you will be able to:
- Understand fundamental networking technologies, including topologies, Open System Interconnection (OSI), network architecture, simple and complex network operations, and protocols and apply knowledge to case studies relevant to real-life situations.
- Create plans for server deployment and installation and configuration. Set up Active Directory and accounts management and prepare for management, monitoring and maintaining the server’s security and policies. Secure remote access, wireless, and virtual private networks (VPN) against hackers’ attacks.
- Work individually and with groups to enumerate the phases of the security systems development life cycle (SecSDLC) and identifying specific threats, and then creating specific controls to counter those threats.
| Prerequisite Courses | Units |
|---|---|
| CIS 100: Practical PC and Career Technologies | 1 |
| CIS 101: Introduction to Computers and Their Uses (UC:CSU) | 3 |
| CIS 104: Microcomputer Application Software (CSU) | 3 |
| Subtotal | 7 |
| Prerequisite Courses Can Be Taken Through Credit By Examination | |
| Required Courses | |
| scope="row"CIS 210: Introduction to Computer Networking (CSU) | 4 |
| CIS 227: Server Administration and Network Security (CSU) | 4 |
| CIS 165: Principles of Information Security (CSU) | 4 |
| CIS 166: Computer Forensics I (CHFI): Investigation Procedures and Response | 3 |
| Subtotal | 14 |
| TOTAL UNITS | 21 |
Get Ready Before You Start
Before your first class starts at LASC, you can start preparing for your career in homeland security networks:
- Make an appointment with your LASC academic counselor to review LASC’s program, start to develop a Student Education Plan (SEP), and discuss your future plans so your counselor can recommend different support services and opportunities, as well as consider if a bachelor’s degree would be a good match for your career goals.
- Still in high school? Find out if your school has a computer club, and if not start one! See if the government has summer internships or if you can shadow an IT employee at a local business for a week. Follow computer science and software developer blogs and social media to learn more about the industry.
- Once you’re at LASC, make sure to get involved with on-campus clubs and organizations, such as Toastmasters to gain public speaking skills, become a student ambassador, or run for student government. These create new relationships and show potential employers your commitment to work with others and your leadership skills.
Program Learning Outcomes
Once you successfully complete this program, you will be able to:
- Understand fundamental networking technologies, including topologies, Open System Interconnection (OSI), network architecture, simple and complex network operations, and protocols and apply knowledge to case studies relevant to real-life situations.
- Create plans for server deployment and installation and configuration. Set up Active Directory and accounts management and prepare for management, monitoring and maintaining the server’s security and policies. Secure remote access, wireless, and virtual private networks (VPN) against hackers’ attacks.
- Work individually and with groups to enumerate the phases of the security systems development life cycle (SecSDLC) and identifying specific threats, and then creating specific controls to counter those threats.